Waikato Locals :: University of Waikato

How it works

More than a campus - this is your community.

We’re here to help you find your feet, meet your people, and feel right at home from day one. Waikato Locals runs for the first six weeks of the semester and consists of three components:

Social Activities: Fun, weekly activities bringing students together to connect and take a break from the books.
Tautoko te Teina: A peer-mentor programme where experienced students (Tuakana) guide you through the transition to uni life.
Wellbeing Coaching: one-on-one bookable sessions to provide student-centered support.

Ready to join Waikato Locals?

Register your interest

Get involved and get connected

Waikato Locals is about finding your place in university life. Our team has lined up a calendar of free, social activities where you can explore campus, meet new people, and settle into campus life.

Whether you want to come to every event or just drop in when you can, we can’t wait to see you there.

Welcome and HQ opening

Kick off your Waikato Locals journey in the Guru Lounge (WSU) with our Welcome Event (Monday 6th July, 10am-12pm).

We’ll start with a karakia and whakawhanaungatanga - nothing too formal, just a friendly way to welcome everyone into the space and set the tone for 2026. It’s about creating a sense of community.

From there, you will meet the awesome staff behind Waikato Locals. There will be fun icebreaker activities to support you in meeting new people and start building connections within your Waikato Locals whānau.

Plus, we are providing morning tea!

Social activities calendar

Date	Activity	Meeting point
6 July	Welcome and HQ opening	WSU Basement
6-9 July	Orientation week. Meet up daily to head to events (like the Pōwhiri) together.	WSU Basement
Week 1	Bracelet Making & Vision Boards	Guru Lounge (WSU)
Week 2	Boardgames	Guru Lounge (WSU)
Week 3	Karaoke	Guru Lounge (WSU)
Week 4	Waikato Locals Challenge	Guru Lounge (WSU)
Week 5	Multisport	UniRec Sports Hall
Week 6	Quiz Night	Guru Lounge (WSU)

Tautoko te Teina

Support from someone who’s been there.

Based on the values of manaakitanga (care) and whanaungatanga (connection), Tautoko te Teina pairs you with an experienced student (a Tuakana) to help you navigate your first five weeks.

It follows the Tuakana-Teina model, a traditional Māori way of learning where someone with more experience supports and guides a newcomer. In short: you’ll have a buddy who knows the ropes.

How do I join?

You are automatically enrolled in the Tautoko te Teina programme when you register for Waikato Locals. You can opt out of the programme, however, it is highly recommended you participate. You'll be placed in a small group of 10-12 students and will meet weekly at a time that suits your schedule.

Tautoko Te Teina Programme Outline

Date	Theme
13 - 17 July	Finding your way around campus and settling in.
20 - 24 July	UoW 101.
27 - 31 July	Study skills and the importance of rest.
3 - 7 August	Building social connections and community.
10 - 14 August	Understanding self-care.

Wellbeing Coaching

Built in pastoral care support.

Bookable one-on-one sessions with our team that provide support through strengths-based conversations helping you to navigate challenges and enhance your wellbeing.

Sessions could discuss study-life balance, motivation, managing stress, developing healthy habits, and so much more.